We end the year 2022. Dating, of course, is a man-thing (no, I’m not using a WOKE term).. God merely said he would establish night and day with the creation of the sun to rule by day, and the moon to rule by night. He does reference the ages in His word, the Bible, but he does not date things. And no, there is no date for the “end times” which began the day Jesus rose of the dead. Even Jesus says He does not know the date. Only the Father does, so let’s dispense with the guessing game. Man (and woman) has known tough times in the past. It is nothing new. Indeed, from reading scripture, there is nothing new under the sun. Man is still selfish, wants to live life in his own interests, and even the best among us is as filthy rags according to God’s holiness.
So, admitting that, we each year try to make resolutions to “live better,” to try to achieve goals, and to endeavor to make life better for others. At least, some of us do. Here is my goal for 2023, one that I tried to accomplish this year and will continue to attempt as long as I am humanly capable. I want to be an encourager, in my loving others, in my speech, in my prayers, in my actions and especially in my writing. I will attempt to post messages extoling God’s grace and mercy, and my continuing faith that through Christ, all things are possible.
My new motto for 2023 is: Look for the grace we’ll see in 2023!” Seek Godincidences.
I will once again attempt to read through the Bible in a year. This year I’m using One Year Bible Online.com. It is a reasonable approach, daily visiting the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Psalms, and the Proverbs. I will use the ESV because it’s the version our church uses. I encourage others to join me.
Each day I will post an encouraging verse, chosen from the Bible app on my phone, or from Susie Larson’s “Blessings for Every Day,” or from “Bible Keys to Well-Being” from CBN. Hopefully, we will be encouraged together, regardless of the difficulties which seem to be looming on the horizon if we listen to daily news reports. We must remember, we have the Good News of the Gospel, and it will sustain us. Here is a guiding verse from Joshua 1:9 who was facing difficult views of life with many uncertainties: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) If we ever needed evidence of Godincidences, remember God’s leading to the Promised Land. We seek the promised land of heaven where there will be no tears, no grieving, and we will be in the presence of the Lord eternally. If you, dear reader cannot say this with assurance, I urge you to read the book of John in the New Testament of the Bible–online or otherwise, to see how I can say this with all the encouragement that I can express. Happy New Year!
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